1:30 PM Newscast April 18

Legislation to remove the required 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours advances from House Labor Committee. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps questioned the bill’s author, Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder asking if he considers a 16 or 17-year-old a young adult. He countered that the emancipation age is 16, and you’re allowed to marry at age 16.

Cut 7 (13) “…a minor.”  

Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in Minden. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says Fibrebond is taking advantage of a retention and modernization state tax credit to build a new production facility…

Cut 4 (13) “…shiny things ” 

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district was pulled from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Every spring millions of beautiful birds migrate through Louisiana but the lights from our homes and buildings can be fatal to some especially during storms so The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking Louisianans to turn off bright lights from 11 pm to 6 am each night from now to May 31st. Federation Communications Director Jimmy Frederick…

Cut 9(11)   … used to.

12:30 LRN Newscast

Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana today as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in Minden. Mayor Nick Cox says for over four decades Fibrebond has been the cornerstone of their economy…
cut 3 (14) “…here to stay”
The expansion will enable Fibrebond to retain more than 450 exisiting jobs in northwest Louisiana.

The House Labor Committee approves legislation to remove the required 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours. Bill author and Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder is a business owner and says the required break forces his teen age employees to lose 30 minutes of pay when they rather stay on the clock.
Cut 6 (07) “…want to.”
The measure passed on a ten to two vote.
Fire ant mounds are a sign of Spring that isn’t so welcome because they bring swarms of stinging pests to yards and gardens. Colleen Crain has more on getting rid of the tiny tormentors.
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Colleen Crain.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The 14th ranked Cajuns baseball team continued their winning ways last night as U-L Lafayette defeated Southeastern Louisiana eight to one. The Cajuns won for the 24th time in 26 games and it was their second straight win over the Lions. Conor Higgs who had three doubles on Tuesday, hit two home runs last night. U-L is at Coastal Carolina this weekend.

The LSU baseball team left this morning for Missouri, where they’ll face the Missouri Tigers in a three-game series starting tomorrow night in Columbia. LSU is 3-and-12 in SEC Play and have lost their first five conference series for the first time since 1977. Coach Jay Johnson says the coaching staff is trying to get the best out of this team…
cut 17 (09) “…right now”
Missouri has struggled too. They are 5-and-10 in conference play and in last place in the SEC East.

The second ranked LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinal round of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark has told the team to keep their same mindset…
cut 15 (06) “…be successful
During today’s afternoon session, the second seeded Tigers will compete against third seeded California, 12th seeded Arkansas and 19th seeded Stanford. The top two highest scoring teams will advance to the NCAA Championships meet on Saturday. The other semifinal meet has Oklahoma, Florida, Utah and Alabama.

Hailey Van Lith will continue her college career at TCU as the guard has announced her commitment to the Horned Frogs. Van Lith was the Lady Tigers starting point guard last season. She was seeking a school where she can be a shooting guard again.

11:30 LRN Newscast April 18

A Senate Committee approves major changes to the state’s public record laws, despite objections from good government groups and journalists. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

And after one season with the Lady Tigers, Hailey Van Lith is heading to TCU. The guard entered the transfer portal after the Tigers lost to Iowa in the Elite Eight. She’s finishing up her last semester in Baton Rouge and will graduate next month with one more year of eligibility.

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district was voluntarily deferred in House Criminal Justice. Bill author Representative Alonzo Knox urged committee members to ask local law enforcement in their districts what they think about the law that goes into effect July 4th allowing for concealed carry without a permit.

Cut 4 (08) “…a crisis.”

Knox told committee members he was pulling the bill and will discuss points brought up with Senator Kirk Talbot who’s proposed similar legislation.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today in Fort Worth as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This is LSU’s 33rd appearance in the NCAA Championships and Coach Jay Clark might have the school’s most talented team.

Cut 14 (08)  “…love to have.”

 

10:30 LRN Newscast April 18

A proposal to expand gun-free zones in New Orleans did not get out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Opponents to the legislation say adding another gun-free zone infringes on a person’s Second Amendment rights. New Orleans metro councilwoman Helena Moreno says there’s also a bill on the Senate side, so the issue is not dead for this session…

Cut 6 (13) “…better shape.”
The second-ranked LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinal round of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark has told the team to keep their same mindset…

Cut 15 (06)  “…be successful”
LSU will compete against Cal, Arkansas, and Stanford today.

Members of the news media and good-government groups strongly oppose a bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry to prevent journalists and the public from obtaining records that can now be accessed through public records requests. New Orleans investigative TV reporter Lee Zurik says public record requests he obtained helped shine a light on what led to the collapse of the New Orleans Hard Rock Hotel in 2019…

Cut 11 (12) “…this law.”
Governor Jeff Landry says current public records law stifles deliberative speech.

Bill author Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud says she’ll work to address some of the concerns of the opponents and will make changes to the bill before the full Senate takes a vote on it…

Cut 13 (05)  “…what they need.”

 

9:30 LRN Newscasts

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zones for entertainment districts like the New Orleans French Quarter was pulled from House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says two people shot over the weekend in the parking lot of a convenience store in Gardner have died. The shooting occurred after a fight broke out involving a 17-year-old and his mother. Deputies say the 17-year-old shot himself and 27-year-old Michael Grossie, who authorities say tried to bring peace to the scene. The 17-year-old and Grossie are now dead.

It’s that time of year for fire ant mounds to start popping up in lawns across the state. LSU Ag Center horticulturist, Doctor Heather Kirk Ballard, says be careful to follow instructions on baits and poisons and pay attention to the time of your treatment…
cut 8 (11) “….wash away”
Kirk-Ballard says coordinate with neighbors since the pests can create extensive underground tunnels and treat them in both April and October when the insects are active.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This might be the school’s most talented team. Coach Jay Clark…
Cut 14 (08) “…love to have.”

8:30 LRN Newscast

Legislation that sought to create firearm free zones in areas classified as major entertainment districts failed to advance out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Firearm professionals Louisiana political director Chris Patron spoke in opposition…
cut 5 (11) “….need is enforcement”
New Orleans Representative Alonzo Knox is the author of the bill. He’s concerned about more people carry guns in the New Orleans French Quarter because of the state’s new permitless conceal carry law.

Do you have a bunch of fire ant mounds in your yard? LSU Ag Center horticulturist Heather Kirk Ballard says there are some organic options available and one is non-toxic…
cut 9 (12) “….or rotenone”
Kirk Ballard also advises to work with your neighbors so fire ants stay off your block.

Members of the news media and good-government groups strongly oppose a bill supported by Governor Jeff Landry that would prevent journalists and the public from obtaining records that can now be accessed through public records requests. New Orleans investigative TV reporter Lee Zurik says public record requests he obtained helped shine a light on what led to the collapse of the New Orleans Hard Rock Hotel in 2019…
cut 11 (12) “…this law”
Governor Jeff Landry says current public records law stifles deliberative speech.

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton has scheduled votes on Saturday for stand alone bills to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. They will be separate votes for each country. But Republicans have said any foreign aid package should also result in improved southern border security. Johnson is facing pressure from his Republican colleagues…
cut 28 (11) “….right think”

7:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Senate approves a bill that would prohibit public schools from teaching that students endure or cause oppression due to their race or national origin. Opponents are concerned this will prevent teachers from doing lessons on racism in America. Denham Springs Senator Valerie Hodges says her legislation will not prevent educators from teaching history lessons…
Cut 29 (09) “…America.”
The bill heads to the House for more discussion.

A proposal to expand gun free zones in New Orleans did not get out of House Criminal Justice Committee. Opponents to the legislation say adding another firearm free zone infringes on a person’s second amendment rights. New Orleans metro councilwoman Helena Moreno says there’s also a bill on the Senate side, so the issue is not dead for this session…
cut 6 (13) “…better shape”

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee has approved legislation that makes major changes to the state’s public records law. Opponents to the bill say many documents currently available through public record requests would no longer be available. The bill, which is also touted as legislation to keep the governor and his family safe, passed on a six to two-vote. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter voted against it…
Cut 12 (10) “…know that.”
Governor Jeff Landry says the state’s current public records law is stretched and being weaponized to stifle deliberative speech.

Fire ant mounds are popping up in yards across Louisiana. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist, Heather Kirk-Ballard says each mound could contain up to 200,000 stinging insect…
Cut 7 (12) “…pretty formidable.”
Kirk-Ballard says coordinating efforts with neighbors is the best way to keep fire ant mounds out of your yard.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

No Zion Williamson tomorrow night for the Pelicans and he’ll miss at least the next two weeks after injuring his hamstring in Tuesday night’s loss against the Lakers. New Orleans needs to beat Sacramento tomorrow night or its season is over. The Pels are 5-0 against the Kings, but New Orleans has also struggled at home this season. Tip off is at 8:30 PM.

For the second straight night, the 14th ranked U-L Lafayette baseball team defeated Southeastern Louisiana. Last night the final score in Hammond was eight to one. Conor Higgs hit two solo home runs and the Cajuns are at Coastal Carolina this weekend.

The LSU gymnastics squad will compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas as the Tigers are in search of the program’s first national championship. This might be the school’s most talented team. Coach Jay Clark…
Cut 14 (08) “…love to have.”

The LSU baseball team leaves for Columbia, Missouri today as they head to Mizzou looking to snap their five game SEC series losing streak. Coach Jay Johnson has been meeting with players on a one-on-one basis in the hopes of getting this team out of this slump…
Cut 16 (20) “..those guys out”
LSU is 3-and-12 in the SEC and can not afford to lose another SEC series and still make the NCAA Tournament.

In transfer portal news…LSU tight end Connor Gilbreath has entered the transfer portal. Also speedy freshman wide receiver Khai Prean is also leaving LSU.

The Lady Tigers are looking for a point guard in the transfer portal after losing Hailey Van Lith and Angelica Velez to the transfer portal. Van Lith and Velez’s departure leaves LSU with just two point guards on its roster.

6:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approves legislation that critics say will gut the state’s public records law at every level. It would prohibit the public from obtaining any government documents involved in decision-making. Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud, says they are trying to prevent unfinalized information from becoming public…
Cut 10 (11) “…catastrophic.”
Opponents are concerned about not obtaining information on how governmental decisions are made.

Legislation to create a Gun Free Zone in New Orleans’ entertainment district has been tabled. Bill author Representative Alonzo Knox filed the bill in response to the state’s permitless conceal carry law that goes into effect July 4th.
Cut 4 (11) “…a crisis.”

In the springtime, fire ant mounds bring swarms of stinging pests to yards and gardens. Colleen Crain on how to get rid of the tiny tormentors.
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Colleen Crain.”

The second ranked LSU gymnastics squad competes in the semifinal round of the NCAA Championships today at 3:30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Coach Jay Clark has told the team to keep their same mindset…
cut 15 (06) “…be successful